U.S. Forest Service - Black Hills National Forest

U.S. Forest Service - Black Hills National Forest The Black Hills National Forest page is a combined effort of the National Forest Foundation and the USDA Forest Service.
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The National Forest Foundation, chartered by Congress, engages Americans in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System, administers private gifts of funds and land for the benefit of the National Forests. http://www.nationalforests.org/

The Forest Service manages a system of 155 national forests, 20 national gr

asslands, and 222 research and experimental forests, as well as other special areas, covering more than 192 million acres of public land. The Forest Service has evolved into a 30,000 employee agency that manages the national forests for a number of multiple uses, including recreation, timber, wilderness, minerals, water, grazing, fish, and wildlife.

06/04/2026

In celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, the U.S. Forest Service - Black Hills National Forest is hosting a guided hike on the Hell Canyon Trail from 1 – 4 p.m. This beautiful trail is just over five miles in length and is considered easy to moderate. The scenery includes limestone overlooks, fire-scarred landscapes, ponderosa pine forests, and riparian areas along a creek. The trailhead is located about 15 miles west of Custer on the north side of Hwy 16. Interested participants should wear sturdy shoes or boots and dress according to the weather conditions. Please be advised that ticks are commonly found along this trail.

For more information, visit the American Hiking Society’s NTD web listings at https://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/find-an-event/. There are multiple hikes happening in the area, so check out which one complements your interest. and

***ACCESS AND SAFETY ALERT***Due to the need for emergency repairs on the Cook Lake dam outlet structure, the Cook Lake ...
05/22/2026

***ACCESS AND SAFETY ALERT***
Due to the need for emergency repairs on the Cook Lake dam outlet structure, the Cook Lake Campground will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, May 26th through Wednesday, May 27th, 2026.

There will be technicians completing the required repairs to the lake outlet structure. Due to the heavy equipment on site and the high potential for hazardous conditions, the campground will be closed for the duration of the repair work for public safety.

A barricade and signs will notify the public of the restricted access to the closed area.

Those individuals with a reservation through Recreation.gov will be notified of the need for the emergency closure.

Heads up, forest visitors! NFS Road 353.2C, also known as Government Pasture, near Keystone will be closed June 1–July 1...
05/19/2026

Heads up, forest visitors!

NFS Road 353.2C, also known as Government Pasture, near Keystone will be closed June 1–July 1, 2026 to support resource protection and improve grazing conditions for permitted cattle in the area.

This temporary closure helps reduce vehicle traffic and improves forage quality—while still allowing you to explore the area on foot or by other non‑motorized means.

Thanks for your patience and cooperation as we work to keep both livestock and visitors safe!

05/13/2026

Today, the U.S. Forest Service announced an additional 2026 recreation fee-free day on June 6 in celebration of , providing no cost use of all standard amenity recreation sites on national forests and grasslands.

"For National Trails Day in 2025, Forest Service trail managers, partners, and volunteers hosted 80 events, including 54 stewardship projects, engaging with more than 3,100 volunteers who maintained 173 miles of trail,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “We hope those who love Forest Service trails will join us at the trailhead on June 6, whether it’s volunteering to build new trails, pick up trash near a trailhead, participating in a nature walk, or taking advantage of the fee-free day benefits.”

Find a local National Trails Day event and join the nationwide movement here: https://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/find-an-event/

Firefighters responded to the Sawmill fire located 1 mile west of Jewel Cave National Monument. Aircraft including two S...
04/17/2026

Firefighters responded to the Sawmill fire located 1 mile west of Jewel Cave National Monument. Aircraft including two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) and one Type 1 helicopter have responded along with local, state, and federal units. The size is estimated at 3-5 acres. Smoke has impacted Highway 16 and law enforcement is currently escorting traffic for safety measures. Forward progress has been stopped. This fire is under investigation.

To help protect our forests, wildlife, and local communities, campfires are only allowed in established grills or metal ...
04/15/2026

To help protect our forests, wildlife, and local communities, campfires are only allowed in established grills or metal fire rings at designated sites within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District (South Dakota).

Please remember that open burning and the use of fireworks are prohibited in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District. Remember, even small sparks can quickly ignite dry vegetation and lead to dangerous, fast-moving fires.

Before starting any outdoor fire, it is critical to verify current local conditions as burn bans are frequently enacted during periods of high fire danger.

Let’s work together to prevent human-caused wildfires this season. Know before you go, and always ensure your fire is dead out!

5:15 PM UPDATE:Forward progress has been stopped with dozer line and hose lay around the fire. The fire was originally e...
04/10/2026

5:15 PM UPDATE:
Forward progress has been stopped with dozer line and hose lay around the fire.

The fire was originally estimated at 15 -20 acres however with more accurate mapping has been determined to be 5 acres.

Firefighters will be staffing the fire overnight.

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4:00 PM UPDATE:
Firefighters have responded to the 87 fire located approximately 4 miles south of Hill City, SD off of Highway 87 (Needles Highway). The size is currently estimated between 15 - 20 acres.

Aircraft, including a helicopter, an air attack platform, and two Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) are currently working the fire along with federal, state, and local resources.

A fire investigator has been ordered to the scene. Please avoid the area so that firefighters can work safely. 

Address

1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD
57730

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16056739200

Website

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